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Winter Storm On Its Way to Sussex County: Snowfall Totals Could Exceed One Foot

Jennifer Jean Miller

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 • 11:49pm

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SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - "An approaching winter storm has the potential to bring 8+ inches if snow, wind gusts up to 45 mph, and moderate coastal flooding to our region," reported the Newton Office of Emergency Management this afternoon, to the group's subscribers. "The storm will impact our area starting late Thursday night and going into early Saturday morning."

The National Weather Service has issued a "Hazardous Weather Outlook," for Friday, describing a strong coastal storm as the catalyst for accumulating snow and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service also issued a "Winter Storm Watch," indicating snow is expected to start overnight on Friday, mixing with sleet or rain. The snow is anticipated to be extremely heavy, and the storm is predicted to dump between five to 10 inches, then change back into all snow, before tapering off on Saturday morning. Travel is expected to be hazardous during the height of the storm, due to the blustery wind gusts, snow, and ice.

GeoEnvironmental Atmosphere, a team of meteorologists that provide in-depth educational models and explanations about the weather, along with forecasts, describe the storm as ready to bring "likely historic snowfall amounts to regions in the Northeast, and Blizzard Conditions to areas around Boston Friday into Saturday."

There are two systems, GeoEnvironmental Atmosphere indicates, that are influencing the storm, one from the north, and one from the south. When the two systems meet, the Northern system will weaken, and absorb into the Southern system, transferring its clipper (low-pressure quick moving winter storm from the North, typically from Canada) energy into the Southern system, which is a stronger low-pressure, being influenced by the jet stream. Click here for a detailed explanation of the entire storm scenario.

According to one of the group's meteorologists, Steven DiMartino, "Snowfall accumulations over 4 inches is currently expected with the potential for icing being a problem for portions of the southern Hudson Valley and northeastern New Jersey. Just to the north, all snow can be expected from northeastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, the rest of the Hudson Valley, and central and northern Connecticut. Northeastern Pennsylvania will be on the edge of the steady, heavy snowfall with potential accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, up to 10 inches as you move closer to the Delaware River. For northwestern New Jersey on through northwestern Connecticut, snowfall totals could exceed a foot of snow based on current data."

Sparta and Hopatcong Police Departments provided information on their Facebook Pages, about a smartphone app from JCP&L, including features to report power outages if they occur as a result of the upcoming winter storm. Click here for more information about the app.

There is a potential for power outages due to the storm conditions, and it is recommended by experts residents prepare by ensuring they are stocked with flashlights, batteries, canned goods, water, essential medications, salt and sand, heating oil, and more. Residents need to also ensure, experts advise, if they have pets, they also have adequate food, water, and shelter. If residents must travel, it is advised to equip themselves with a winter storm weather survival kit in their vehicles, including a blanket, cell phone, shovel, map, and flashlight with extra batteries. If stranded in a vehicle, ensure the tail pipe is not covered to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and run for 10 minutes each hour for heat. Experts also advise if stranded in a vehicle, exercise body parts for proper blood circulation. Also, carry a colored cloth to tie on the vehicle, so it is visible during whiteout conditions.

The Alternative Press will continue to advise Sussex County residents about the upcoming storm, and provide new information when available.

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